THIBODAUX, La. — Sam Vidlak had an impressive performance, passing for 262 yards and throwing four touchdown passes as Stephen F. Austin triumphed over Nicholls with a score of 28-12 on Saturday.

The game started with Nicholls leading 6-0, thanks to kicker Gabe Showalter, who successfully made field goals of 43 and 31 yards in the first quarter and early second quarter respectively.

As halftime approached, Vidlak connected on a 28-yard touchdown pass to Kylon Harris, capping a swift three-play drive that covered 59 yards in just 53 seconds. Following a quick three-and-out by Nicholls, Stephen F. Austin capitalized by recovering a blocked punt at the Nicholls’ 8-yard line. Vidlak then swiftly threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Clayton Wayland, putting the Lumberjacks ahead 14-6 with 2:26 remaining in the half.

Shortly thereafter, Nicholls QB Pat McQuaide faced difficulties and threw an interception just past midfield. This mistake proved costly, as Vidlak hit Harris again for a 41-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 21-6 with just 1:30 left on the clock in the first half.

The Lumberjacks maintained their dominance, with Vidlak finding Jordan Nabors for a 50-yard touchdown, increasing their lead to 28-6.

Nicholls managed to score their only touchdown of the game with 6:47 remaining in the fourth quarter when McQuaide completed a 10-yard pass to Treylin Whaley; however, their attempt for a two-point conversion was unsuccessful.

Defensively, Stephen F. Austin excelled, intercepting McQuaide three times throughout the game, further solidifying their victory.